Feb 18
Buick adds AWD to 2014 Regal
Posted in: Today's ChiliBuick has added AWD to the Regal and Regal GS, with the luxury sedan automatically switching to all-wheel drive both in the snow and ice, or when pushing hard. The … Continue reading
Jun 05
2013 Buick Encore Crossover Wraps Tech, Luxury and Value in a Pleasant Package
Posted in: Today's ChiliI recently had an opportunity to drive Buick’s new upstart crossover SUV, the 2013 Encore, and there’s a single word I’d like to use to describe my experience – pleasant. Yes, this small vehicle is comfortable, luxurious, loaded with modern-day conveniences, and well appointed for the price. It’s not going to win any prizes for speed or being a true “driver’s car”, but as an everyday ride, the Encore fires on all cylinders.
Overall I found the exterior design of the Encore to be quite pleasant on the eyes, exuding a sense of luxury, without being too showy. The first thing you’ll notice about the Encore is just how small it is compared to other SUVs. With a wheelbase of just 100.6 inches and a tip-to-tail length of just 168.5 inches, you should have no problem fitting the Encore into even the most cramped parallel parking spaces. There aren’t a lot of direct competitors to the Encore – the closest would be the Nissan Juke (less luxurious, more sporty), and the BMW X1 (more powerful, more expensive).
Despite its small footprint, the Encore seems spacious on the inside – especially compared to sedans and station wagons. It offers ample seating for four adults, and you can squeeze a fifth passenger in the back seat if you must. Speaking of the back seat, I was able to set comfortably in the back with the front seats about 1/2 way back – and I’m 6-feet-tall. The back seat also offers a flat-folding 60/40 split folding bench so you can carry more items in the back, for a total capacity of up to 48.4 cubic feet. As an added bonus, you can fold the front passenger seat flat for even more storage space. Keep in mind that in exchange for this, you sacrifice the left armrest on the passenger seat, and my co-pilot was quick to point this out.
The vehicle is packed with luxury touches you wouldn’t expect in a vehicle that starts at less than $30,000(USD). Features included on the AWD-Premium model I tested include some of the nicest two-tone leather seats I’ve ever seen, a stitched leather steering wheel, and (simulated) woodgrain trim.
It also comes with 6-way adjustable electromechanical seats for both driver and passenger. The premium model also includes a 7-speaker Bose audio system, heated seats, heated mirrors, and a heated steering wheel (pleasant!)
Other bells and whistles include rain sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone climate controls with analog dials, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, tire-pressure monitoring, and a variety of high-tech safety systems. These include forward collision alert, a lane departure warning system and a rear backup camera with radar to detect and alert to potential collisions.
Technology that comes standard includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and media playback, AM/FM/SiriusXM (subscription) radio, as well as Pandora and Stitcher streamed audio integration powered by Buick’s Intellilink. You’ll also get GM’s vaunted OnStar service with 6 months of complimentary service. Navigation is optional, going for an extra $795. All media, climate, navigation and phone information is displayed on an ample 7-inch display that’s been placed much closer to eye level than many of the displays out there.
One thing to note is that the media, entertainment and climate controls are operated via a number of buttons and analog dials. While some people prefer using touchscreens for such features, I’m a big proponent of tactile controls when driving, so you can interact with them without having to take your eyes off the road. So even if it’s not the most sexy, high-tech approach, I personally agree with this decision.
I found the drive of the Encore to be quite pleasant, with a quiet passenger compartment and minimal road noise – with some of this benefit potentially coming from the Bose Active Noise Cancellation system. I also found the handling to be tight, but not overly sporty – somewhere smack dab in the middle between the disconnected feeling you’d get from a Lexus SUV, and the sporty handling of a BMW or Infinity SUV. Again, pleasant.
Under the hood of the Encore is a 1.4-liter turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder engine, attached to a 6-speed transmission with manual override. This combination provides 138HP and 148 lb. ft. of torque. I found this power to be plentiful in city driving, though I did find it to feel a little strained when driving on the highway. It’s not that it isn’t capable of pulling along the vehicle at highway speeds – it’s just got that typical 4-cylinder whirr sound when accelerating at higher speeds. That said, you have to remember this is the same Ecotec engine in the Chevy Sonic turbo, a car that weighs almost 600 pounds less than the Encore.
On that note, fuel economy wasn’t as good as I had hoped, with city driving delivering a less-than-stellar 15MPG, though I got a much better near-sticker 29MPG on the highway. To be fair on the city mileage, I live in Chicago, which has a higher than normal amount of city stop and start traffic. That said, when I drove it on suburban side streets, I got just about 19MPG. In addition, my figures were measured with typical comfort features such as radio and air conditioning turned on.
So there you have it. If I were in the market for a starter SUV – or if I were looking to downsize from a big truck-like model, the Encore would be on my consideration list. With its perfectly pleasant styling, luxury, tech and safety features, as well as an attractive price point, it’s definitely worth a look.
Prices for the Buick Encore start at just $24,200(USD), but you’ll want to opt for the Premium AWD edition if you can – the gorgeous leather interior and heated accessories are worth it alone. Plus, if you live anywhere where it snows or is hilly, you’ll want to go with the AWD anyhow. As equipped, the fully-loaded Encore I tested had a sticker price of $32,975.
Disclosure: Buick provided the loan of the vehicle for review in this article. However, all reviews are the unbiased views of our editorial staff, and we will only recommend products or services we have used personally, and believe will be good for our readers.
May 08
General Motors has recalled more than 38,000 of their new hybrid vehicles over the possibility that a faulty circuit board in the trunk could potentially overheat and start a fire. The recall affects new Buick LaCrosse and Regal models, and Chevrolet Malibu Eco vehicles, all from the 2012 and 2013 model years.
Once the circuit board overheats, it can cause the cars’ 12-volt battery to drain and one of several indicator lights to turn on on the instrument panel, which means that owners will be aware of the issue when it happens. However, if drivers ignore the warning lights (which we all do sometimes, right?), the engine could eventually stall and start a fire in the trunk.
Thankfully, though, the issue doesn’t affect the rechargable lithium-ion battery that’s a part of the cars’ electric hybrid system. If you’re curious to know whether your specific car is or will be affected, General Motors says that most of the incidents reported have happened within the first 1,000 miles of driving with the cars. No accidents or injuries were reported.
We actually took a look at Buick’s latest LaCrosse and Regal hybrid models during the New York Auto Show back in March. These new models aren’t a part of the recall, as they’re the 2014 models. The new cars come with the company’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, which we got our hands on as well.
[via LA Times]
GM recalls over 38,000 hybrids over fire hazard is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Apr 19
At the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show taking place in China, General Motors has unveiled the Buick Riviera concept, a modern take on a classic car. The concept was made is China, and is the latest to use the Riviera name, applying it to a car that features a sleek design that is said to be inspired by the Chinese phrase: “The greatest good is like water.”
According to USA Today, the goal was to create a car design that invokes thoughts of a vibrant river in motion and the rolling waves of the ocean. That’s the exterior, anyway, with the interior aiming to take inspiration from classic Chinese styles using ebony, wood inlaid with jade, suede, and aluminum. Also present are LED running lights and the familiar Buick grille.
While interpretation of design is up to the viewer, the concept is beautiful regardless of whether you see the influences of water in it. The interior is illuminated by soft blue LED lights, as are the LED headlights. Beyond the design is a hybrid powertrain, with consumers being able to charge it via either a standard charging cable or by going wirefree with a wireless charging panel under the car.
The concept also utilizes what General Motors refers to as an autopilot safety system that provides driving assistance – despite its name, you won’t be able to kick back and let the Buick doing the driving for you. Says President of General Motors, Shanghai: “By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand.”
[via USA Today]
General Motors unveils Buick Riviera concept at Shanghai Auto Show is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 26
This week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show we’ve had the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with the next-generation Buick Intellilink infotainment system. This system has been revealed as coming with the 2014 LaCrosse as well as the 2014 Regal, both vehicles working with nearly identical implementations of infotainment and media playback throughout. It all begins on an 8-inch touchscreen display that sits front and center of the vehicle, able to be accessed by the driver or the copilot with ease.
Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system works with wireless connectivity for your mobile devices, customizable options galore, and an easy-to-use user interface from start to finish. And it’s all builds on a hearty connection of both safety and security with OnStar. If you’re an OnStar user, you’ll be able to access city-by-city weather reports and ultra-simple embedded navigation using their “traditional Blue button” – rather handy.
You’ll be working with connectivity to a selection of apps for music, starting with Pandora. With Pandora you’ll have a collection of custom-built radio stations with new music coming in by the day – you’ll also be working with a set of 60 “favorites”, starting with radio stations outside of Pandora. These stations can be AM, FM, or XM, and you’ll have plenty of space left over to store “favorites” in contacts, destinations, and music from media aside from radio.
You’ll be able to connect with your media and your apps for control of the many various things IntelliLink works with using your touchscreen or by controlling your system with your voice. IntelliLink employs natural language voice recognition allowing you to control most anything you’d be able to control with your finger. You can enter destinations, browse media, safely place calls, play music, and control a variety of other functions as well.
If you’re a fan of using your touchscreen interface, you’ll find the controls to be rather familiar. You can do what Buick calls a “fling” through your lists, swipe up and down, and drag all around – basic control cues you’ll have learned well by now due to your everyday use of your smartphone or tablet devices. You can also control your music, set destinations, and more with IntelliLink’s connection to your smartphone – this done with a USB cord or Bluetooth wirelessly.
Of course the audio experience you’re going to have with the output this IntelliLink system is controlling depends entirely on the vehicle you’re driving. With the 2014 Buick Regal you’ll be working with a new nine-speaker Bose sound system including “strategically placed” tweeters and a fabulous subwoofer – you’ve got an acoustically optimized interior as well. With the 2014 Buick LaCrosse you’ve got seven standard speakers including the, again, “strategically placed” tweeters as well as a subwoofer all coming together to complement a quiet, acoustically optimized interior – with optional 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound being available as well!
Have a peek at our Buick tag portal for more information on the IntelliLink system as it appears in more vehicles through the future, and don’t forget to check the rest of our Car Hub for auto action from here until forever!
Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink Infotainment system hands-on is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 26
Today the 2014 Buick Regal has been made official, infused with new technology from start to finish and looking like a vehicle you’ll certainly have to experience for yourself. This vehicle has been designed by Buick to be a “sportier and smarter” evolutionary mark in the line of successful midsize sedans. You’ll find not only new technology here made to enhance the way you drive, but to enhance the way you drive safely each and every day as well.
This vehicle line works with Adaptive Cruise Control as well as – for the first time – all-wheel drive. With Adaptive Cruise Control your vehicle will be able to sense traffic ahead of it, adjusting speed and stopping the vehicle automatically while in heavy traffic. This vehicle also introduces a set of new technologies in the radar- and camera-based safety features category:
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Change Alert
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• Collision Mitigation Braking
In the 2014 Buick Regal you’ll also find the next generation of IntelliLink integration – that’s natural speech recognition as well as a set of controls more intuitive than ever before! The new Regal works with a more “expressive” look both inside in out – starting with new front and real styling, signature wing-shape LED daytime running lamps as well as LED taillamps, you’ll also find a fully redesigned central instrument panel and console with new fashion interior trim.
Under the hood you’ve got a new 2.0L turbo engine (as noted above) with 18 percent more horsepower than with what’s found in the Regal Turbo. The first all-wheel-drive system you’ll be working with here goes by the name Haldex. In addition to rolling out with superior use of the traction you’ve already got, this Haldex all-wheel-drive system will enhanced cornering with the Regal GS when driving in GS mode. That GS mode comes straight from your Interactive Drive Control System – and you’re going to love it!
You’ve also got the option to work with a 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology on this 2014 Regal model. You’ll be working with six-speed automatic transmissions that are matched with both of your engines and you’ll have a six-speed manual with your Regal GS as well – and electric power steering is featured on all models here and into the future, too.
This all-new Regal is making its debut this week at the New York International Auto Show 2013. We’ve got our eyes on it and will be pushing more information – and more up close and personal action – to you soon! Stick with SlashGear in our Car hub as well as our New York Auto Show 2013 tag portal all week long!
2014 Buick Regal unveiled with IntelliLink and efficiency features is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 26
This week the 2014 Buick LaCrosse has been shown for the first time at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, complete with a suite of design and technology innovations you’ll do well to adore. This vehicle has been designed from start to finish to be a luxurious ride, starting with a new interior design that continues the success of this long-lasting sedan line and bringing with it a set of advanced safety and in-car connectivity technologies. There’s also a special Ultra Luxury Interior Package you’ll want to take a look at if you want to go above the fold.
With this full-size LaCrosse you’ll be working with Buick’s next-generation integration of IntelliLink, their infotainment system for entertainment and voice-activated control of your vehicle. You’ll have a newly upgraded, even more intuitive than in past iterations, user interface and control, complete with natural voice recognition – speak as you normally would! This vehicle also works with a collection of camera-based safety features including:
• Side Blind Zone Alert
• Lane Change Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Automatic Collision Preparation
These features each work with GM’s patented Safety Alert Seat – that’s a vibration from the seat from the direction of a potential crash threat. Quite helpful when you need more than a half-moment’s notice of impending doom.
This vehicle has been enhanced with some fabulous new design cues both inside and out, starting with new front and rear styling – signature wing-shaped LED daytime running lamps as well as LED wraparound tail lamps are in place to, as they say, “complement [the 2014 LaCrosse’] sculpted exterior design.” Inside you’ll find new seats, a redesigned central instrument panel and console, and enhanced materials used throughout.
The Ultra Luxury Interior Package is one you may be lusting after. Included is a sangria seating color, ebony accents, all work semi-aniline leather (both seats and trim), with Shadow Tamo Ash wood decor. This package’s semi-aniline leather covers the seats, console armrest, door armrests, and is complemented with a bit of synthetic suede in both the headliner and door pillars. This color and material combination is exclusive to the LaCrosse and this Ultra Luxury package.
The Buick 2014 LaCrosse is being offered in front-wheel-drive as well as all-wheel-drive models and will have two powertrain options available. The first is a 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology. The second is a 3.6L engine with direct-injected V-6. Both models are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and both will have Adaptive Cruise Control available as well. With Adaptive Cruise Control, the system is able to sense traffic in front of the vehicle and adjust vehicle speed in real time, stopping the vehicle when traffic is especially heavy, and accelerating when traffic becomes light once again.
The details will continue here on SlashGear as we see more of the 2014 Buick LaCrosse at the New York International Auto Show 2013. We’ll be seeing more IntelliLink, more of the innards and surroundings of this and other Buick vehicles – and whatever else you’d like us to check out! Have a peek at our Car Hub for more information, and stick to the New York Auto Show 2013 tag portal as well!
Buick 2014 LaCrosse official with IntelliLink and Ultra Luxury options is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 26
Back in February, Buick offered up a little detail on what we can expect for the 2014 LaCrosse. At the time, the company talked about the quieter interior that was designed for occupant comfort and to help the next generation IntelliLink infotainment system perform better. This week Buick has gone official with a lot more details for the new 2014 LaCrosse.
On the outside, Buick describes the car as having a refreshed exterior with a wing-shape LED lighting package. The car also gets new advanced safety technologies as standard including the eight-inch color display instrument panel, camera and radar-based safety features, and the next generation IntelliLink. The LaCrosse is a full-size sedan and the car gets new seats, enhanced materials, a redesigned central instrument panel and console, and an available Ultra Luxury Interior Package.
The safety systems that are radar and camera-based include Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. The vehicle also features adaptive cruise control that can stop the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerate the vehicle again.
The vehicle can be purchased in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive models with two available powertrains. The vehicle can be had with a 2.4-liter engine featuring eAssist light electrification technology or a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 engine. Both of those engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The public debut of the 2014 LaCrosse will happen at the New York International Auto Show running from March 29 through April 7. The vehicle will be available on dealer showrooms this summer.
[via Media]
Buick offers new details on the 2014 LaCrosse is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Feb 22
General Motors’ Buick division hasn’t had much in the way of a cool car by enthusiast standards since the late 80s when the very impressive Regal Grand National was tearing up the streets. Somewhere along the way, Buick became a boring car that your grandma drove. Buick has been working hard to revamp its image and make its cars more appealing to younger buyers and one of the cars it has been working on is the LaCrosse.
The car has rather attractive styling on the outside and a very nice interior. The car is equipped with the Buick IntelliLink allowing drivers to place calls and more using their voice. The problem for many voice control systems is that excessive noise from outside the vehicle can make it difficult for voice control systems to understand the command being said. Buick has turned to making the interior of the LaCrosse quieter to help the voice command system better understand what is being said.
Buick used various engineering processes to reduce, block, and absorb interior noise. The car has laminated window glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadening all in an attempt to make the interior of the vehicle as quiet as possible. The IntelliLink system is standard on every 2013 Buick and allows drivers to use voice commands for controlling things like navigation and audio functions and smartphone applications.
Using the voice control system drivers can control Pandora Internet radio stations and even “like” a song. The Buick system has a microphone hidden in the headliner of the car, optimally placed to pick up spoken commands. The system is also trained for different accents and dialects. The system also remembers the driver’s speech patterns when the car is turned off allowing it to respond more quickly and accurately the next time the driver is in the vehicle. The system is capable of learning accents and dialects of more than one driver.
[via GM]
Buick LaCrosse gets a quieter cabin to make it a better listener is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Sep 21
General Motors has been around for a long time and operates a variety of different automotive brands under the GM umbrella. The biggest brand for General Motors is Chevrolet with a variety of trucks, SUVs, and cars sold under that brand. General Motors also operates GMC, which sells branded versions of some Chevrolet vehicles.
General Motors also operates Buick, which has cars and a couple SUV models. General Motors has outlined its product scheduled for both GMC and Buick over the next 12 months. The two brands have six new brand models that are being teased at the same time that will be debuting sometime in the next 12 months.
The six new models include a new Buick Regal, a new Buick LaCrosse, a new GMC Yukon, a new GMC Sierra HD truck, a new GMC Sierra truck, and a new GMC Yukon XL. Those GMC truck models are copies of Chevrolets as I mentioned before.
GMC is also planning to bring the Canyon mid-size truck back as a new model, but it’s not listed among the new versions debuting in the next 12 months. The new GMC vehicles will mean that the oldest GMC and Buick models will only date back to 2010 making both brands full of new designs. I wish Buick would bring back an exciting car like the Grand National from the 80s.
[via Motoward]
GM plans six all-new GMC and Buick automobiles in the next 12 months is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
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